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Urban Upgrades in Vidarbha: What’s Changing in Chandrapur, Akola, and Gondia

Urban Upgrades in Vidarbha: What’s Changing in Chandrapur, Akola, and Gondia
Urban Upgrades in Vidarbha: What’s Changing in Chandrapur, Akola, and Gondia

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) has emerged as the central government's flagship programme to modernise urban infrastructure across India since its launch in June 2015. In Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, medium towns like Chandrapur, Akola, and Gondia have become focal points for comprehensive infrastructure development covering water supply systems, sewerage networks, and basic urban amenities.


The programme's second phase, AMRUT 2.0, launched in October 2021, extends coverage to all urban local bodies with enhanced focus on water security and sustainable urban development.


Central assistance of Rs 66,750 crore has been allocated nationwide under AMRUT 2.0, with Rs 63,976.77 crore already approved to states and union territories. Maharashtra received Rs 9,310 crore under AMRUT 2.0, with current utilisation approaching Rs 9,000 crore across approved projects.


Water Supply Transformation in Vidarbha Towns


Chandrapur Municipal Corporation has undertaken substantial water supply improvements under multiple AMRUT projects, representing significant investment in basic infrastructure.


The Bhadrawati supplementary water supply scheme represents a cornerstone component with an estimated cost of Rs 60.37 crore, encompassing intake wells, water treatment plants, and distribution networks.


The project includes inspection wells, connecting mains, raw water pumping machinery, and membrane bioreactor technology for enhanced water quality assurance.


This initiative forms part of the broader Chandrapur water supply augmentation programme that targets comprehensive service delivery to urban populations.


The city has simultaneously implemented water supply enhancement projects in surrounding areas, including the Chimur water supply scheme modifications worth Rs 5.45 crore under AMRUT 2.0. These projects focus extensively on shifting existing house connections and providing new connections to expand coverage across previously underserved residential areas.


The implementation strategy addresses distribution system inadequacies through systematic infrastructure replacement and enhancement programmes.


Chandrapur's water infrastructure development extends to advanced treatment facilities through the Chandrapur Waste Water Management Private Limited partnership. This public-private collaboration operates sewage treatment plants with a combined capacity of 70.5 million litres per day, though infrastructure gaps remain in the drainage network connectivity.


The facility maintains approximately 80 per cent sewage treatment efficiency, with both treated and untreated sewage currently discharged into the Erai River system.


Akola Municipal Corporation has initiated multiple water supply enhancement projects under AMRUT 2.0, demonstrating the scale of investment required for medium-town infrastructure transformation. The augmentation to the Akola water supply scheme carries an estimated value of Rs 182.72 crore with a completion period of 910 days, representing one of the region's most substantial water infrastructure investments. This project aims to strengthen the existing water distribution network and increase supply capacity to meet growing urban demands across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.


The corporation has also implemented earlier projects under the original AMRUT scheme, including comprehensive water supply improvements that addressed fundamental distribution system inadequacies. These initiatives represent a systematic approach to water infrastructure development spanning both AMRUT phases, with total investment approaching Rs 500 crore across various project components.


Implementation challenges have emerged in project execution timelines. Officials reported that only a fraction of approved projects have progressed beyond initial approval stages despite central fund releases approaching Rs 9,000 crore for Maharashtra's AMRUT 2.0 programme.


Gondia has undertaken water infrastructure development programmes targeting 24x7 water supply implementation.

The current augmentation of the Gondia water supply project aims to achieve a continuous water supply through advanced infrastructure installation. The detailed project report encompasses raw water pumping machinery, rising lines, an 18 million litres per day water treatment plant, master balance reservoir construction, transmission lines, and three reinforced cement concrete elevated service reservoirs with capacities of 21.9, 19.5, and 12.9 lakh litres respectively.


The project includes extensive pipeline laying for distribution network enhancement and flow meter installation for comprehensive monitoring and management systems. Total project cost for Gondia's water infrastructure transformation exceeds Rs 61 crore under AMRUT guidelines, representing substantial investment in medium-town water security infrastructure.


Gondia's approach incorporates geographic information system mapping and hydraulic modelling for optimal system design. The implementation strategy focuses on district metering area creation and network optimisation to achieve minimum water pressure standards of 7 metres at ferrule connections throughout the distribution network.


Sewerage System Development and Treatment Infrastructure

 

Akola Municipal Corporation has implemented ambitious sewerage projects under AMRUT 2.0, with phase 2 of the comprehensive sewerage scheme valued at Rs 504.38 crore. HNB Engineers Private Limited secured the contract worth Rs 439.31 crore for this extensive infrastructure project, which includes the construction of 483.14 kilometres of trunk main and collection systems across the municipal area. The project incorporates a 71 million litres per day sewage treatment plant utilising sequential batch reactor technology, representing advanced wastewater treatment infrastructure for medium-town applications.


The scope encompasses pumping stations, rising mains, reinforced concrete sumps, pumping machinery, and supervisory control and data acquisition automation systems for efficient monitoring and operational control.

The project timeline extends over three years, reflecting the complexity and scale of infrastructure development required for complete sewerage coverage. Earlier phases of Akola's sewerage development included underground sewerage schemes implemented under the original AMRUT programme, with cumulative investment exceeding Rs 750 crore across all project phases.


Construction progress has encountered implementation challenges, with state government mandating execution in "mission mode" to address delays in administrative approvals and coordination between municipal bodies. The sequential batch reactor technology employed in treatment facilities represents contemporary approaches to municipal wastewater management, with capacity designed to serve projected population growth through the next two decades.

 

Gondia has undertaken extensive sewerage system development under AMRUT 2.0 with projects worth Rs 203.46 crore, representing substantial infrastructure investment for the medium-sized urban centre. The Gondia sewerage scheme encompasses construction of comprehensive sewerage networks, property connections, pumping stations, and sewage treatment plants across the municipal jurisdiction. The project includes 85.513 kilometres of distribution network and a 9.5 million litres per day sewage treatment plant based on sequential batch reactor technology.


P.C. Snehal Construction Company received a work order worth Rs 213.61 crore for developing Gondia sewerage scheme phase II, demonstrating the scale of infrastructure investment required for complete municipal coverage. The project incorporates modern supervisory control and data acquisition automation systems for efficient monitoring and operational management of treatment facilities and pumping infrastructure.


Implementation includes comprehensive sewerage network construction, household connection establishment, and advanced treatment facility development. The project design addresses current sewerage generation requirements while incorporating capacity for projected urban growth through the next fifteen years.

 

Chandrapur Municipal Corporation operates sewage treatment infrastructure with total capacity of 70.5 million litres per day, though significant infrastructure gaps remain in drainage network connectivity throughout the municipal area. The city currently operates with approximately 80 per cent sewage treatment efficiency, with both treated and partially treated sewage discharged into the Erai River system near Hadasti Village and through the Amal nalla system.


Ongoing infrastructure projects aim to complete the remaining 35 kilometres of sewage network, though progress has encountered substantial obstacles from forest department and archaeological clearances required for network expansion.


Total sewerage network length spans 176 kilometres, with 141 kilometres completed and operational, leaving substantial coverage gaps in newer residential and commercial developments.

The municipality has partnered with Chandrapur Waste Water Management Private Limited to enhance treatment capacity and operational efficiency. This public-private partnership arrangement provides technical expertise and financial resources for advanced treatment technology implementation, though network connectivity remains the primary infrastructure challenge for comprehensive sewerage coverage.

Implementation Progress and Administrative Challenges

 

Maharashtra's AMRUT implementation has faced significant scrutiny regarding execution pace and project completion rates across municipal jurisdictions.


Officials reported that despite central fund releases approaching Rs 9,000 crore, only a fraction of approved projects have progressed beyond initial approval and tendering stages.

Under AMRUT 2.0 in Maharashtra, 303 projects worth Rs 31,722.23 crore have been approved by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, with contracts awarded for 181 projects worth Rs 19,969.95 crore. However, physical completion rates remain substantially below targets, prompting state government intervention to accelerate project implementation through enhanced administrative coordination.


The state government has mandated implementation in "mission mode" with streamlined administrative approvals, expedited land clearances, and enhanced coordination between municipal bodies and implementing agencies. This directive addresses fundamental concerns over slow project execution and emphasises the critical need for timely utilisation of allocated central funds to achieve infrastructure development objectives.


Progress monitoring occurs through regular video conferences, workshops, and site visits coordinated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. State High Powered Steering Committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, monitors implementation, while the State Level Technical Committee provides technical support for project supervision and quality assurance throughout construction phases.


Maharashtra has implemented comprehensive third-party technical audits for ongoing AMRUT 2.0 projects worth Rs 10,513 crore following mounting concerns about execution quality and construction standards. The decision addresses sustained criticism over substandard work in key infrastructure projects across multiple cities, with particular focus on sewerage treatment facilities and water distribution network construction.


Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran has been designated to implement technical audit protocols within established timeframes, with audit reports required for fund release authorisation. These quality control measures respond directly to instances of poor restoration work, inadequate construction practices, and execution lapses that have drawn significant public criticism and regulatory attention.


The technical audit system aims to ensure strict compliance with engineering specifications and construction standards across all project phases, from initial excavation through final commissioning and handover procedures. Independent Review and Monitoring Agencies provide assessment and monitoring services, with fund releases to states conditional upon satisfactory compliance with technical audit recommendations and quality assurance protocols.


Quality control implementation includes regular site inspections, material testing, construction methodology verification, and compliance assessment against approved technical specifications. The comprehensive audit framework addresses both technical performance and adherence to environmental clearance conditions throughout project implementation cycles.

Under AMRUT 2.0, Maharashtra receives central assistance covering 50 per cent of project costs for cities with populations up to 10 lakh, with state and local body contributions completing project financing arrangements. The funding pattern requires substantial state government investment, with Maharashtra's commitment approaching Rs 18,415 crore over the mission period to match central assistance allocations.


Maharashtra's budget allocation for 2024-25 included Rs 28,315 crore for 312 sanctioned AMRUT 2.0 projects, representing a significant state financial commitment to urban infrastructure development. Central assistance released to Maharashtra under AMRUT 2.0 totals Rs 1,831.96 crore against committed assistance of Rs 9,310 crore, with utilisation of Rs 1,514.04 crore reported by implementing agencies.


The state has developed 529.5 million litres per day of sewerage treatment plant capacity and 445.7 million litres per day of water treatment plant capacity under the cumulative AMRUT programme. These infrastructure developments represent substantial progress in addressing urban sanitation and water supply gaps across medium towns throughout Vidarbha and other regions.


Financial utilisation challenges persist due to implementation delays, with substantial approved allocations remaining unutilised despite infrastructure development urgency.

The state government has established enhanced monitoring mechanisms to accelerate fund utilisation and ensure timely project completion within allocated timeframes and budget parameters.


Environmental Impact and Sustainable Development Outcomes

 

AMRUT initiatives in Vidarbha's medium towns have generated substantial environmental benefits through improved sewage treatment capacity and advanced water quality management systems. The programme addresses critical urban environmental challenges by implementing modern sequential batch reactor technology and activated sludge processes in sewage treatment facilities.


Nationwide, AMRUT has created 4,447 million litres per day sewage treatment capacity, with 1,437 million litres per day specifically designated for recycling and reuse applications.

Sequential batch reactor technology employed in Akola and Gondia represents advanced municipal wastewater treatment approaches, with improved organic matter removal efficiency and enhanced nutrient management capabilities. These treatment systems incorporate automated monitoring and control mechanisms that optimise operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with environmental discharge standards established by pollution control authorities.


Water quality enhancement extends beyond treatment facility development to include comprehensive distribution network improvements and water storage infrastructure. The programme supports the implementation of 24x7 water supply systems with drink-from-tap facility capability, reducing dependence on individual water storage and associated contamination risks throughout residential areas.


Treatment capacity development includes provisions for industrial wastewater management, with facilities designed to accommodate mixed municipal and industrial discharge streams. Advanced treatment processes address heavy metal removal, organic pollutant degradation, and pathogen elimination to ensure treated effluent meets environmental standards for river discharge or reuse applications.


The programme addresses critical urban flooding challenges through comprehensive stormwater drainage projects integrated with water body rejuvenation initiatives throughout participating cities. Akola's Shivar Lake rejuvenation project under AMRUT 2.0 represents integrated environmental restoration combined with green space development and flood management infrastructure.


The project encompasses lake cleaning, embankment strengthening, stormwater management, and recreational facility development within sustainable urban development frameworks.


Stormwater drainage improvements include the construction of 1,434 kilometres of drainage infrastructure nationwide, with the elimination of 3,708 waterlogging points across participating cities. These infrastructure developments address chronic urban flooding problems while supporting groundwater recharge through improved stormwater management and infiltration systems.


Green space development under AMRUT guidelines includes the creation of 5,086 acres of urban parks and recreational areas, with environmental benefits extending beyond recreational value to include urban heat island mitigation, air quality improvement, and biodiversity conservation within municipal boundaries.


Integrated planning approaches connect green space development with water body rejuvenation and stormwater management for comprehensive environmental benefits.


Urban drainage infrastructure incorporates climate resilience considerations, with systems designed to accommodate increased precipitation intensity and frequency associated with changing climatic conditions. Enhanced drainage capacity and improved conveyance systems reduce urban flood risks while supporting sustainable urban development patterns in growing medium towns throughout the region.


The mission's emphasis on recycling and reusing treated wastewater contributes directly to water security objectives while reducing environmental pressure on freshwater resources.


Advanced treatment facilities incorporate tertiary treatment capabilities for industrial process water applications, agricultural irrigation, and urban landscape maintenance requirements. Chandrapur's wastewater management facility provides treated water to Maharashtra State Power Generation Company's thermal power plant, demonstrating successful industrial reuse applications.


Circular economy principles guide infrastructure development, with treatment facilities designed for resource recovery, including biogas generation from organic waste, nutrient recovery for agricultural applications, and treated water reuse for non-potable municipal requirements. These approaches reduce environmental impact while generating economic value from municipal waste streams through integrated resource management systems.


Energy efficiency considerations include implementation of renewable energy systems for treatment facility operations, with solar power installations and energy recovery systems reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

Advanced automation and monitoring systems optimise energy consumption while maintaining treatment efficiency and environmental compliance throughout operational cycles.


Sustainable urban development patterns supported through AMRUT infrastructure investments include reduced groundwater extraction pressure, improved surface water quality, and enhanced urban environmental quality. These environmental benefits support long-term urban sustainability while addressing immediate infrastructure service delivery requirements across participating medium towns throughout Maharashtra's Vidarbha region.


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